Time to fly: Offer for women on air

The 74-year-old retired bus conductor first dabbled in community radio when she and her husband, Gordon, helped out a mate, Ian “The Bopper” Nash, to organise his weekly program, Rock ‘n’ Roll Jamboree on 90.1 NBC FM, which was broadcasted from a house behind the Narwee Baptist Church.
“When The Bopper retired, he asked whether I was interested in hosting the show,” Eileen said.
“I jumped at the chance. I love rock ‘n’ roll, and love sharing the music.”
Eileen hosts the fortnightly program Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven on Monday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm, while Gordon operates the panel and answers the phones.
The radio station, which has now relocated to Kogarah, continues to broadcast into the Canterbury area.
To encourage more women to take to the airwaves, NBC FM will run a series of radio program-making workshops for women in the lead up to Women’s Week in March.
Women on Air Day will be held on Friday, March 8, and Eileen is encouraging interested women to take part.
“I would recommend women to become involved in community radio, especially broadcasting,” she said.
“It’s fun, exercises the mind, and is great way to meet people.”
NBC FM CEO Paul McGrath said while men occupied about 70 per cent of the broadcasting roles, he would like to see more women take up a position in front of the microphone.
For further information, call the station on 95342888.
Women are set to enjoy a diverse range of activities during the first ever NSW Women’s Week to be held from March 3 to 9 to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8. For more information or to find local events and activities, visit women.nsw.gov.au.